The Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has made a recent decision to cease accepting wildlife for treatment and rehabilitation. This is part of a scheduled 3 week ZEW services closure from July 22-August 17, 2026. The end date for wildlife has yet to be determined, and has the potential to become permanent. The decision about reopening is deeply concerning for both wildlife in Saskatchewan and the future of veterinary education in Canada. We call upon the administration of WCVM to reconsider this decision for the following reasons:

**Impact on Wildlife in Saskatchewan:**
Saskatchewan is home to a diverse array of wildlife species that are integral to the health of our ecosystems. Injured and sick wildlife require expert medical attention and rehabilitation to recover and be successfully reintroduced into their natural habitats. By discontinuing these services at the VMC, we are not only compromising the well-being of individual animals but also the ecological balance of the region. Wildlife rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in conservation efforts in Saskatchewan, with many animals able to return to the wild after treatment. These centers need the support of the WCVM's VMC practicing wildlife medicine or animal welfare will suffer. Wild animals do not have a voice of their own--it is of critical importance for WCVM to continues allowing their experienced clinicians treat them and give injured wildlife a second chance.

**Educational and Professional Development:**
For veterinary students, hands-on experience with wildlife is invaluable. It allows them to develop a comprehensive skill set, ensuring they are prepared to handle a wide range of cases in their careers. Gaining experience in treating wildlife gives students the ability to learn how to deal with zoonotic disease, a skill of critical importance for protecting public health. WCVM's program has been a leader in Canada for providing diverse learning opportunities, and removing wildlife medicine from its program will significantly diminish the educational experience for students, impacting their future career prospects and contributions to veterinary science.

**Impact on Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in Saskatchewan**
Wildlife rescues and licensed rehabilitators across the province rely on WCVM's support. When cases are too critical or complicated it can surmount the capabilities that wildlife rehabilitators have, causing them to send or direct patients to the VMC for medical attention. There are too few clinics that accept wildlife through their doors for the VMC to permanently close theirs also. It would set an unfortunate example for other clinics across the country, forcing an increased burden to already at or over capacity rehabilitation facilities. This will only disadvantage wildlife, resulting in more animals dying that could have been given a chance of a successful release back to their territory. In Saskatchewan there already is a lack of government funding provided to wildlife rescue organizations; most in the province rely entirely on the generous donations of the public to operate. The WCVM at the University of Saskatchewan is a world known veterinary institution that has a far better chance of obtaining reliable funding for wildlife than the community-backed organizations. The VMC needs to continue practicing wildlife medicine to support the hard-working wildlife rehabilitators in the province.

**Impact on Public Health**
The VMC is a vital piece of wildlife disease surveillance and reporting in Saskatchewan to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC). Any reportable disease risk species that is admitted has testing performed and submitted to the CWHC, and strict quarantine protocols are followed until a negative result is received. When animals are untreatable or unfit for release, wildlife pathologists have the opportunity to practice their skill and advance their research.  Removing the intake of wildlife eliminates this part of the university's surveillance for zoonotic disease, not limited to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), West Nile Virus, or Rabies Virus. If the VMC stops ZEW clinicians from practicing veterinary medicine on wildlife it will be a detriment to public health. 

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We passionately urge the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to retract this decision and continue providing wildlife treatment and rehabilitation. The future of our wildlife and the education of prospective veterinarians depend on it. Join us in advocating for the welfare of Saskatchewan's creatures and the integrity of veterinary professionals. Sign this petition to make a difference in preserving our wildlife and enhancing veterinary education in Canada.